Sydney still unbeaten after thrashing Adelaide

Sydney FC continued their undefeated start to the season with a confident 3-0 win over an understrength Adelaide United at the Sydney Football Stadium tonight.

The result was rarely in doubt after a second minute strike from Terry McFlynn and a goal just past the half hour mark from Alex Brosque.

But the highlight of a fairly lopsided contest was a 35-metre wonder strike from substitute Brendon Santalab.

Incredibly Santalab’s long-range bomb replicated the A-League goal of the season scored by the 26-year-old against United at Adelaide Oval in January.

Adelaide returned from Japan just 36 hours prior to the game and coach Aurelio Vidmar fielded just three players from his starting line-up for Wednesday’s Asian Champions League match against Kashima Antlers.

And their sluggish start to the match proved costly as Sydney FC raced to a two goal advantage before United had threatened the goal of Sydney FC keeper Clint Bolton.

Midfielder McFlynn ensured the visitors were on the back foot from the opening whistle with an unstoppable 25-metre volley into the top corner.

Sydney FC were looking comfortable and it was no surprise when Alex Brosque doubled their advantage in the 35th minute.

A long ball from skipper Tony Popovic caught out a ponderous and flat-footed defence, allowing Brosque to latch onto the ball and finish past exposed Adelaide goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic.

Adelaide sprung from their lethargy late in the half and seemed set to score when Cristiano hit the post after poking the ball past the onrushing Clint Bolton after a defensive mix-up in what proved the visitors’ best chance of the match.

Sydney were unable to create many gilt-edged opportunities in a tame second half, which was ignited by Santalab’s stunning goal 11 minutes from full time.

Asked if his apparent rotation policy had backfired, Vidmar said: “We had to make a few changes, a couple forced on us, and a few we decided to rest.

“But probably in one game, and one week, it was far too many changes.”

Sydney FC coach John Kosmina preferred to focus on his own team’s performance rather than the weakened line-up fielded by his former club.

“The way that we played took all the sting out of Adelaide,” he said.

“We moved the ball around really well.”

“The thing is you put a team out on the park … there was 11 guys out there with Adelaide United badges on.

“I don’t care who was in the (Adelaide) team.”

“A-League is about having a squad of players and all of the people in that squad have got to be able to stand up.

“So you have got to question Adelaide’s priorities … the A-League or the ACL (Asian Champions League).”

The win continued Sydney’s best start to an A-League season with three wins and two draws from the opening five rounds.

Socceroo striker John Aloisi lasted 80 minutes as he continues his return from a foot injury with the match also notable for Sydney veteran Steve Corica’s 400th professional appearance.